EACH week, we'll be testing different ways to get in shape in 2010. This week, it's “miracle pants” put to the test.

AS a determined dieter over many, many years, I've always been looking for the “miracle” cure to shift those excess inches with the minimum of effort.

Although, it pains me to say it, nothing really comes close to beating good old-fashioned healthy eating and a decent fitness regime.

But when Debenhams launched a new pair of “revolutionary” pants, boasting cellulite-busting technology and promising to lose you inches while, literally, resting on your laurels, I thought it would be worth a go.

The makers of the PeachyBody pants claim that women wearing the underwear “lost between 1-3 inches instantly”, while wearing them for at least eight hours a day, for 21 days, would significantly reduce cellulite by flushing out toxins thanks to a patented system that stimulates the skin and massages an active peach incredient into the bottom and thighs.

Pulling mine out of the box, I figured i'd have to lose at least three inches straightaway just to fit into the teeny tiny things.

And believe me, it's a cardiovascular workout in itself hauling the the skin-tight weave fabric pants onto your body.

Once on, they are comfortable enough, although every visit to the toilet promises another arm-straining workout to get them on and off.

They do, as promised, really suck you in and make you feel much more sculpted, although getting the tape measure out I didn't seem to have benefitted from the “instant” 1-3 inches off my figure promised after the first wear.

I've been wearing them, off and on, for the past three weeks as suggested, although found it impossible to wear for the full eight hours every day.

And after that time I have lost an inch off my hips and waist – but remember that is also the result of a dedicated healthy eating and fitness regime over that time.

So, the jury is out on the “miracle” properties of these pants, although I admit my legs did feel smoother and more moisturised after wearing them.
And starting at £25 a pair, it's one of the cheaper ways of attempting to battle that stubborn orange peel thigh effect.